The woman, 43, was on the pathway between Seven Arches Road and Ingrave Road at about 1.15pm on Saturday, April 27, when she was approached by the robber from behind.

He tried to snatch her handbag and when she struggled he pulled out a knife and threatened her until she handed over a three figure sum of cash. Police said the woman, who is local to the Brentwood area, was uninjured.

The man is described as white, aged 21 to 40, 5ft 6ins tall and had square, angular features.

He had short, brown hair and wore a grey sweat top, blue jeans and dirty trainers.

He also had an eastern European accent and is described as speaking like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Anyone with information should call DC David Marsden at Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“Where to go for a drink near Great Portland Street?” was previously met with blank expressions and shrugs for those local to the area, not anymore, thanks to the opening of The Refinery at Regent’s Place, the eighth bar and restaurant from hugely-successful group Drake & Morgan.